CHIP funded for six years; Congressional action still needed on other priorities

There is good news regarding the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). To end the three-day federal government shutdown, President Trump on Monday signed a three-week continuing resolution that includes a provision to fund CHIP for six years.

“Funding CHIP has been one of our top legislative priories at the federal level, so we are thrilled that hurdle has been cleared. However, work remains for Congress to ensure access to care for some of our most vulnerable patients,” said Society CEO Bud Chumbley, MD. “CHIP is an important part of the health care safety net, but until there is stable funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers, access to care is in jeopardy.”

Funding for FQHCs expired September 30, 2017. Society staff and members of Wisconsin’s AMA delegation will be meeting with members of Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation early next month to urge action on this issue and other priorities, including a proposed rule by the Department of Labor on Association Health Plans.

The Society Holding’s Corporation currently offers an Association Health Plan that covers 1,100 lives in Wisconsin. The draft rule, as written, would not allow the Association Health Plan to continue in its current form. There are several steps before the rule is finalized, and Society staff will be sharing concerns directly with our Congressional delegation, as well as with the Department of Labor to improve the rule and prevent unintended consequences such as the loss of coverage.

Contact Lisa Davidson, vice president of membership and advocacy, for more information.